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CTV Outlines Three Point Plan to Address Crisis in Canadian Television

OTTAWA, April 22 /CNW/ - Appearing today before the House of Commons
Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, CTV called for swift federal action
to address the crisis in local Canadian television.
"We are not asking for bail-outs or short term fixes however well
intentioned they may be," said Mr. Ivan Fecan, President and CEO,
CTVglobemedia, and CEO, CTV. "What interests us is a plan to build a
sustainable future for conventional television in Canada."
In its presentation to parliamentarians, CTV outlined a three point
reform plan to provide a viable new framework for local television, including:
1. The immediate implementation of fee for carriage. "Fee-for-carriage
does not need to impact the consumer nor will it invoke undue harm to
the cable and satellite industry," said Mr. Fecan. "This is an
industry-to-industry matter".
2. Satellite carriage for local TV stations. "We simply would like the
CRTC to uphold Parliament's clear statement in the Broadcasting Act
that calls for priority carriage of local television stations."
3. A hybrid digital transition strategy. "We cannot justify an
investment of several hundred million dollars to reach 9% of the
marketplace, particularly when this investment produces no additional
revenue in a business that is already teetering on the edge."
"Local is worth fighting for. If we cut those roots, we will lose
something invaluable as a nation," concluded Mr. Fecan. "We are passionate
about television. Our belief is demonstrated not merely by rhetoric, but by a
consistent body of work comprised of top rated Canadian programming, that is
unmatched by any other broadcaster in English Canada."